It's week 2 in Missouri and week 1 in Kansas on the first day of September. Our game of the week is Savannah @ East Buchanan. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN LIVE HERE</a>.

MEC Benton (1-0) @ St. Joseph Central (1-0) - Week 3: Central @ Raytown - Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette&nbsp;(St. Joseph Post broadcast)

Savannah (1-0) @ #3 East Buchanan (1-0) - <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN TO OUR COVERAGE OF THIS GAME HERE</a>. - Week 3: East Buchanan @ North Platte - Week 3: Savannah home to Kirksville

Pleasant Hill (1-0) @ Lafayette (0-1) - Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast) #7 Maryville (0-1) @ Class 4 #7 Harrisonville (0-1) - Week 3: Maryville @ Chillicothe #6 Bishop LeBlond (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) - Week 3: LeBlond home to Knox County Southeast/Central (0-1) @ Cameron (1-0) - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X Kirksville (1-0) @ Chillicothe (0-1) - Week 3: Chillicothe home to Maryville

KCI Gallatin (0-1) @ Hamilton (0-1) - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin home to South Harrison Mid-Buchanan (1-0) @ Holden (1-0) - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan @ West Platte

Trenton (1-0) @ Lathrop (1-0) - Week 3: Lathrop @ Salisbury South Harrison (0-1) @ West Platte (0-1) - Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan #9 Plattsburg (1-0) @ Knox County (0-1) - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler County

GRC North Andrew (0-1) @ DeKalb (0-1) - Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County - Week 3: DeKalb home to South Holt

St. Joseph Christian (1-0) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (0-1) - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian @ Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port Stanberry (1-0) @ Rock Port (0-1) - Week 3: Stanberry @ King City

King City (0-1) @ Nodaway Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison - Week 3: King City home to Stanberry Maysville (0-1) @#3 North Platte (1-0) - Week 3: Maysville home to Polo - Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan

275 Conference Albany (1-0) @ #4 East Atchison (1-0) - Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian - Week 3: East Atchison @ Nodaway Valley Pattonsburg (1-0) @ South Holt (1-0) - Week 3: South Holt @ DeKalb #3 Worth County (0-1) @ Mound City (0-1) - Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley - Week 3: Worth County @ North Andrew Princeton (0-1) @ #2 Platte Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Mound City

Kansas games Riverside @ Jefferson West - Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-Lecompton Atchison @ Ottawa - Week 2: Atchison @ Sumner Academy Troy @ Wabaunsee - Week 2: Troy home to Valley Falls Oskaloosa @ Maur Hill - Week 2: Maur Hill @ Jackson Heights Doniphan West @ Washington County - Week 2: Doniphan West @ Cair Paravel Hiawatha @ Royal Valley - Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693586355868.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's week 2 in Missouri and week 1 in Kansas on the first day of September. Our game of the week is Savannah @ East Buchanan. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN LIVE HERE</a>.The rest of the area matchups are below.MEC Benton (1-0) @ St. Joseph Central (1-0) - Week 3: Central @ Raytown - Week 3: Benton home to Lafayette&nbsp;(St. Joseph Post broadcast)Savannah (1-0) @ #3 East Buchanan (1-0) - <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">LISTEN TO OUR COVERAGE OF THIS GAME HERE</a>. - Week 3: East Buchanan @ North Platte - Week 3: Savannah home to KirksvillePleasant Hill (1-0) @ Lafayette (0-1) - Week 3: Lafayette @ Benton (St. Joseph Post broadcast) #7 Maryville (0-1) @ Class 4 #7 Harrisonville (0-1) - Week 3: Maryville @ Chillicothe #6 Bishop LeBlond (1-0) @ Schuyler County (1-0) - Week 3: LeBlond home to Knox County Southeast/Central (0-1) @ Cameron (1-0) - Week 3: Cameron home to St. Pius X Kirksville (1-0) @ Chillicothe (0-1) - Week 3: Chillicothe home to MaryvilleKCI Gallatin (0-1) @ Hamilton (0-1) - Week 3: Hamilton @ Lawson - Week 3: Gallatin home to South Harrison Mid-Buchanan (1-0) @ Holden (1-0) - Week 3: Mid-Buchanan @ West PlatteTrenton (1-0) @ Lathrop (1-0) - Week 3: Lathrop @ Salisbury South Harrison (0-1) @ West Platte (0-1) - Week 3: West Platte home to Mid-Buchanan #9 Plattsburg (1-0) @ Knox County (0-1) - Week 3: Plattsburg home to Schuyler CountyGRC North Andrew (0-1) @ DeKalb (0-1) - Week 3: North Andrew home to Worth County - Week 3: DeKalb home to South HoltSt. Joseph Christian (1-0) @ Stewartsville-Osborn (0-1) - Week 3: St. Joseph Christian @ Albany - Week 3: Stewartsville-Osborn home to Rock Port Stanberry (1-0) @ Rock Port (0-1) - Week 3: Stanberry @ King CityKing City (0-1) @ Nodaway Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Nodaway Valley home to East Atchison - Week 3: King City home to Stanberry Maysville (0-1) @#3 North Platte (1-0) - Week 3: Maysville home to Polo - Week 3: North Platte home to East Buchanan275 Conference Albany (1-0) @ #4 East Atchison (1-0) - Week 3: Albany home to St. Joseph Christian - Week 3: East Atchison @ Nodaway Valley Pattonsburg (1-0) @ South Holt (1-0) - Week 3: South Holt @ DeKalb #3 Worth County (0-1) @ Mound City (0-1) - Week 3: Mound City home to Platte Valley - Week 3: Worth County @ North Andrew Princeton (0-1) @ #2 Platte Valley (1-0) - Week 3: Platte Valley @ Mound CityKansas games Riverside @ Jefferson West - Week 2: Riverside home to Perry-Lecompton Atchison @ Ottawa - Week 2: Atchison @ Sumner Academy Troy @ Wabaunsee - Week 2: Troy home to Valley Falls Oskaloosa @ Maur Hill - Week 2: Maur Hill @ Jackson Heights Doniphan West @ Washington County - Week 2: Doniphan West @ Cair Paravel Hiawatha @ Royal Valley - Week 2: Hiawatha home to Jefferson West

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school football matchups - September 1, 2023

The Missouri Western football team got down by two possessions on four separate occasions against Central Missouri Thursday.

Yet, the Griffons were right there until the bitter end, trying to send the game to overtime in the final minute.

However, four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter, stopped the effort short and Central Missouri came away with a 45-38 win over the Griffons at Spratt Stadium Thursday night.

Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western in the first half as well. The Griffons lost a fumble inside their own 20 midway through the first quarter, which led to the first UCM touchdown three plays later.

The Griffon offense had its fair share of nice moments Thursday, too. After the lost fumble, Missouri Western marched 83 yards on eight plays on the next drive and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from Jared Scott, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:53 left in the first quarter.

Leading 10-7 at the start of the second quarter, UCM (1-0) took advantage of a missed Missouri Western field goal early in the second, and drove 80 yards on seven plays, eventually scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zach Zebrowski to Zion Perry to lead 17-7.

The Griffons (0-1) answered right back with a seven-play, 58-yard series that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Reagan Jones to Jonas Bennett on a 4th down play.&nbsp;

The Griffon defense came up with a stop on the ensuing drive, but a Jones interception deep on the Missouri Western side gave Central Missouri a short 33-yard field.

Seven plays later, the Mules scored again to go up 24-14 with 14 seconds left in the first half. It seemed like that'd do it for the first two quarters.

Well, on a squib kick from Brett Grupe, MWSU's Jaden Brown picked up the ball and ran 56 yards - all the way to the 12-yard line with two seconds to go before the break.

The Griffons sent out Cody Watson, who connected on a 29-yard field goal to make it a 24-17 ballgame at halftime.

Missouri Western got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out on each of their first two series of the third quarter.

Central Missouri, meanwhile, had back-to-back touchdown drives to begin their second half, leading by as many as 14 on two separate occasions.

And yet, Missouri Western kept crawling back in it. A one-yard touchdown run by Sam Cromwell and a four-yard touchdown pass from Armani Edden to Caleb Martin made it 38-31 early in the fourth.

UCM then burned some clock on a 13-play, 74-yard march. Having been stopped short of the end zone, the Mules lined up for a 25-yard field goal to try and go up by 10 with 5:35 left.

Groupe's kick was blocked by Ison Robinson and Brandon Johnson. The ball then bounced off the turf and into the hands of Brayden Wright, who ran it back 76 yards the other way for a game-tying touchdown. 38-38 with 5:35 to go.

"There was a lot of different, weird things that kept happening all night that kept us in it," Missouri Western coach Tyler Fenwick said after. "I think it's a testament to our kids, who kept fighting and competing and playing."

But, Central Missouri's aerial attack Thursday was hard for Missouri Western to stop most of the night.

Four plays after that blocked FG, Zebrowski found Arkell Smith wide open for a 58-yard touchdown to put UCM back in front 45-38 with 3:54 to play.

Missouri Western had two more possessions in the final 3:54 with a chance to tie each time, but both ended with Edden interceptions.

Zebrowski, a Southern Illinois transfer, was outstanding for UCM Thursday. Entering the game in the second quarter in relief of starter Cedric Case, he completed 29-of-39 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns.

Arkell Smith had 11 catches for 136 yards and a score to lead UCM in receiving.

Edden, a Hawaii transfer, played all but two series for MWSU at quarterback, completing 15-of-23 passes for 180 yards and a score.

Jonas Bennett, who changed from running back to wide receiver this season, was stellar for the Griffons with 10 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Jared Scott finished with nine carries for 68 yards and a score. UCM outgained Missouri Western in total yards 599-362, including 486-247 through the air.

UCM was 11-of-18 on third down, while Missouri Western was just 1-of-7 in that category.

"We have a lot to learn from it," Fenwick said of the game. "There's a lot of things we can improve upon. There's a lot of mistakes, but they're all fixable mistakes. They're all things, whether it's ball security, reads, tackling, whatever. They're all things I think we can control."

Missouri Western goes on the road next Saturday to face Lincoln University. Kickoff in that game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with pregame starting at 5.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693546578918.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western football team got down by two possessions on four separate occasions against Central Missouri Thursday.Yet, the Griffons were right there until the bitter end, trying to send the game to overtime in the final minute.However, four turnovers, including two interceptions in the fourth quarter, stopped the effort short and Central Missouri came away with a 45-38 win over the Griffons at Spratt Stadium Thursday night.Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western in the first half as well. The Griffons lost a fumble inside their own 20 midway through the first quarter, which led to the first UCM touchdown three plays later.The Griffon offense had its fair share of nice moments Thursday, too. After the lost fumble, Missouri Western marched 83 yards on eight plays on the next drive and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from Jared Scott, tying the game at 7-7 with 3:53 left in the first quarter.Leading 10-7 at the start of the second quarter, UCM (1-0) took advantage of a missed Missouri Western field goal early in the second, and drove 80 yards on seven plays, eventually scoring on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zach Zebrowski to Zion Perry to lead 17-7.The Griffons (0-1) answered right back with a seven-play, 58-yard series that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Reagan Jones to Jonas Bennett on a 4th down play.&nbsp;The Griffon defense came up with a stop on the ensuing drive, but a Jones interception deep on the Missouri Western side gave Central Missouri a short 33-yard field.Seven plays later, the Mules scored again to go up 24-14 with 14 seconds left in the first half. It seemed like that'd do it for the first two quarters.Well, on a squib kick from Brett Grupe, MWSU's Jaden Brown picked up the ball and ran 56 yards - all the way to the 12-yard line with two seconds to go before the break.The Griffons sent out Cody Watson, who connected on a 29-yard field goal to make it a 24-17 ballgame at halftime.Missouri Western got the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out on each of their first two series of the third quarter.Central Missouri, meanwhile, had back-to-back touchdown drives to begin their second half, leading by as many as 14 on two separate occasions.And yet, Missouri Western kept crawling back in it. A one-yard touchdown run by Sam Cromwell and a four-yard touchdown pass from Armani Edden to Caleb Martin made it 38-31 early in the fourth.UCM then burned some clock on a 13-play, 74-yard march. Having been stopped short of the end zone, the Mules lined up for a 25-yard field goal to try and go up by 10 with 5:35 left.Groupe's kick was blocked by Ison Robinson and Brandon Johnson. The ball then bounced off the turf and into the hands of Brayden Wright, who ran it back 76 yards the other way for a game-tying touchdown. 38-38 with 5:35 to go."There was a lot of different, weird things that kept happening all night that kept us in it," Missouri Western coach Tyler Fenwick said after. "I think it's a testament to our kids, who kept fighting and competing and playing."But, Central Missouri's aerial attack Thursday was hard for Missouri Western to stop most of the night.Four plays after that blocked FG, Zebrowski found Arkell Smith wide open for a 58-yard touchdown to put UCM back in front 45-38 with 3:54 to play.Missouri Western had two more possessions in the final 3:54 with a chance to tie each time, but both ended with Edden interceptions.Zebrowski, a Southern Illinois transfer, was outstanding for UCM Thursday. Entering the game in the second quarter in relief of starter Cedric Case, he completed 29-of-39 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns.Arkell Smith had 11 catches for 136 yards and a score to lead UCM in receiving.Edden, a Hawaii transfer, played all but two series for MWSU at quarterback, completing 15-of-23 passes for 180 yards and a score.Jonas Bennett, who changed from running back to wide receiver this season, was stellar for the Griffons with 10 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.Jared Scott finished with nine carries for 68 yards and a score. UCM outgained Missouri Western in total yards 599-362, including 486-247 through the air.UCM was 11-of-18 on third down, while Missouri Western was just 1-of-7 in that category."We have a lot to learn from it," Fenwick said of the game. "There's a lot of things we can improve upon. There's a lot of mistakes, but they're all fixable mistakes. They're all things, whether it's ball security, reads, tackling, whatever. They're all things I think we can control."Missouri Western goes on the road next Saturday to face Lincoln University. Kickoff in that game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with pregame starting at 5.Tyler Fenwick postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---UCM-postgame-83123-e28plim" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-vs--UCM-Football---83123-e28pkv1" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU battles, but mistakes cost Griffons against Central Missouri Thursday

The Missouri Western football team is ready to begin a new era tonight, as they kick off the 2023 season.

Tyler Fenwick will coach his first game as the new head man, as the Griffons host Central Missouri at Spratt Stadium.

Hired in December of last year, Fenwick says his team has practiced about as much as they can, and are ready to see another team.

"We're going to roll the ball out and let those guys fly around and go do their thing," Fenwick said. "I'm excited to watch them play. They've been putting in a lot of work and they deserve to get out there and put on a show for St. Joe."

Fenwick succeeds Matt Williamson, who was relieved as head coach last November.

Fenwick was Missouri Western's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012. He was part of arguably one of the most dominant runs in program history, as Missouri Western won a combined 53 games in those six seasons, and made the playoffs three times.

Fenwick looks forward to being back at Spratt on game day, but is focused on the task at hand.

"We'll take it all in and I'll take it all in pregame but once the ball gets kicked off, you kind of forget about all of that stuff and are just trying to play the next play."

It was nearly nine months ago when Fenwick was introduced as the seventh head football coach in Missouri Western history. After completing spring and fall camp, fifth-year senior and defensive lineman Dakari Streeter is excited to finally play a game.

"I just want to see how the team does," he said. "How we gel with each other. It's just a whole lot of newness. Can't go wrong with a lot of newness. I'm just excited to see how everything goes."

Redshirt junior and lead receiver Traveon James has noticed this group becoming more of a player-led team under this coaching staff.

"They like to have a player-led team," James said. "They respect that. We don't feel like we're in jail. I feel like I can come out of my shell and be myself and be who I am."

Junior running back Brandon Hall praises the work of new strength coach Zach Fears, who’s helped every player get bigger and stronger.

"His new strength program (Fears) has us going through," Hall explained, "we went up 2,000 pounds as a team on every max (lift). So, we definitely got bigger and he made everyone put on 10-15 pounds."

Fenwick believes his team is ready to play, and is better conditioned than they were in the spring. He says tonight's result comes down to which team makes the fewest mistakes.

"I feel like we're a more developed team than when we got here," he said. "Right now, it's coming down to, can we go out against Central Missouri and not have more mistakes than Central Missouri does in game one? That's what it's going to come down to."

Of the 85 players on the Griffons' roster, 69 of them were on the team last year. Missouri Western added 32 new freshmen and 10 transfers in the offseason.

Missouri Western comes off of a 5-6 record last year, while UCM was 4-7. The Mules beat the Griffons in Warrensburg in double overtime last November, 40-37.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. central. Coverage starts at 6 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690304966161.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western football team is ready to begin a new era tonight, as they kick off the 2023 season.Tyler Fenwick will coach his first game as the new head man, as the Griffons host Central Missouri at Spratt Stadium.Hired in December of last year, Fenwick says his team has practiced about as much as they can, and are ready to see another team."We're going to roll the ball out and let those guys fly around and go do their thing," Fenwick said. "I'm excited to watch them play. They've been putting in a lot of work and they deserve to get out there and put on a show for St. Joe."Fenwick succeeds Matt Williamson, who was relieved as head coach last November.Fenwick was Missouri Western's offensive coordinator from 2007-2012. He was part of arguably one of the most dominant runs in program history, as Missouri Western won a combined 53 games in those six seasons, and made the playoffs three times.Fenwick looks forward to being back at Spratt on game day, but is focused on the task at hand."We'll take it all in and I'll take it all in pregame but once the ball gets kicked off, you kind of forget about all of that stuff and are just trying to play the next play."It was nearly nine months ago when Fenwick was introduced as the seventh head football coach in Missouri Western history. After completing spring and fall camp, fifth-year senior and defensive lineman Dakari Streeter is excited to finally play a game."I just want to see how the team does," he said. "How we gel with each other. It's just a whole lot of newness. Can't go wrong with a lot of newness. I'm just excited to see how everything goes."Redshirt junior and lead receiver Traveon James has noticed this group becoming more of a player-led team under this coaching staff."They like to have a player-led team," James said. "They respect that. We don't feel like we're in jail. I feel like I can come out of my shell and be myself and be who I am."Junior running back Brandon Hall praises the work of new strength coach Zach Fears, who’s helped every player get bigger and stronger."His new strength program (Fears) has us going through," Hall explained, "we went up 2,000 pounds as a team on every max (lift). So, we definitely got bigger and he made everyone put on 10-15 pounds."Fenwick believes his team is ready to play, and is better conditioned than they were in the spring. He says tonight's result comes down to which team makes the fewest mistakes."I feel like we're a more developed team than when we got here," he said. "Right now, it's coming down to, can we go out against Central Missouri and not have more mistakes than Central Missouri does in game one? That's what it's going to come down to."Of the 85 players on the Griffons' roster, 69 of them were on the team last year. Missouri Western added 32 new freshmen and 10 transfers in the offseason.Missouri Western comes off of a 5-6 record last year, while UCM was 4-7. The Mules beat the Griffons in Warrensburg in double overtime last November, 40-37.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. central. Coverage starts at 6 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).Audio story<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-Football-ready-to-open-Tyler-Fenwick-era-e28ou5o" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693500992635.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693501028676.jpeg" alt="Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU ready to open Tyler Fenwick era against Central Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.

Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.

Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.

It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693451140588.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.

Andre Jackson gets first big league win as Pirates sweep Royals with 4-1 victory

By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.

The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.

The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.

“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”

The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.

The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.

Memorial Stadium's official capacity is just over 85,000 for football, but that number was higher for this event because there were seats and standing room on the field.

Fans in red and white started their tailgate parties outside the stadium hours before first serve of an exhibition Wayne State won in three sets. The stadium was one-quarter full at the start of that match and gradually filled to capacity as players for Omaha and Nebraska were warming up.

There was a flyover during the national anthem and, minutes before first serve, Cook led his Huskers into the stadium to the Tunnel Walk, the longtime tradition of the football team. Synchronized chants of “Go Big Red!” were heard all around.

Conditions were 83 degrees, clear skies and a south wind listed at 4-mph at court level with gusts that sometimes moved the ball in unpredictable ways.

Though 91,648 was widely acknowledged as the women’s sports attendance record, at least one match at the unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mundo-women71.html">1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico City reportedly drew 110,000 people.</a>

The American record attendance for a women’s sporting event had been 90,185 for the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California — the game where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/sports/soccer/23seconds.html">Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt</a>&nbsp;after scoring the decisive penalty shot for the U.S. win.

The NCAA does not track attendance across all sports, but associate director of media coordination and statistics Jeff Williams said a crowd of 90,000-plus was easily among the largest for a non-football game. A 2010 outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://collegehockeyinc.com/stats/boxes11.php?mmicmsu1.d11">hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor drew more than 113,000 fans.</a>

A message seeking comment from officials of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/">Guinness World Records</a>&nbsp;was not immediately returned.

Nebraska has sold out 306 consecutive regular-season matches. (Wednesday's event won't count toward the streak because it is not being held on the team's Devaney Center court.) The Huskers have led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, and eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history are matches that have involved Nebraska.

Nebraska has won five national championships in volleyball, and its program is one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit — $1 million last year, according to athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.

“This is a statement on Title IX, and having two daughters of my own, what Title IX has done for women's sports is huge,” fan Troy Pfannenstiel of Omaha said before the matches.

Chancellor Rodney Bennett canceled classes for the day. NCAA President Charlie Baker, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti were on hand, as was Gov. Jim Pillen. So were Husker volleyball players who were part of iconic coach Terry Pettit's teams over four decades. High school teams from across a state stretching 430 miles border to border were excused from classes to attend.

There are 75 women from the state of Nebraska who are on Division I volleyball rosters this season. At 44 players per million in population, the state trails only Hawaii (67 per million) in Division I players produced per capita, according to volleyball statistician and historian Rich Kern of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richkern.com/vb/FreePage.asp">RichKern.com.</a>

“You don’t think you’re going to be part of a world record event, and seeing how much everyone supports volleyball and wanted to be part of that record is awesome to see,” Omaha's Shayla McCormick said.

Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the No. 1 girls high school team sport in the United States. It’s long been No. 1 in Nebraska.

About 7,000 girls play high school volleyball in the state. Volleyball has been played in varying forms in Nebraska since the early 1900s. For many years, girls volleyball matches were warmup acts for boys basketball games. Volleyball became a sanctioned sport in 1972 and took off in the late 1970s when Pettit invited many of the state’s high school coaches to work at his camps in Lincoln.

Pettit also conducted so-called “satellite” clinics in small towns across the state. In a place where boys grow up dreaming of becoming Cornhusker football players, many girls are equally passionate about some day playing volleyball for a Nebraska team that annually ranks among the nation’s elite.

Ella Beck, 10, came with a group from tiny Pierce to see her first college volleyball match and root for her favorite player, setter Lexi Rodriguez.

Neveah Kehr, 10, came with her mom, Nicki, from Bismarck, North Dakota, to be part of the event. Nicki graduated from Nebraska, and she brought up her daughter watching the Huskers on television.

Neveah wore the No. 5 jersey of middle blocker Bekka Allick at a pep rally before the matches and, with more than 1,000 fans cheering, was invited to walk to where the players stood and was introduced to the woman she called her idol.

Neveah teared up, and Bekka gave her a hug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693453778144.jpeg" alt="Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP Sports WriterLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">😌😌😌 <a href="https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5">https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5</a>&mdash; Kansas Volleyball (@KUVolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUVolleyball/status/1697082227476107476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.Memorial Stadium's official capacity is just over 85,000 for football, but that number was higher for this event because there were seats and standing room on the field.Fans in red and white started their tailgate parties outside the stadium hours before first serve of an exhibition Wayne State won in three sets. The stadium was one-quarter full at the start of that match and gradually filled to capacity as players for Omaha and Nebraska were warming up.There was a flyover during the national anthem and, minutes before first serve, Cook led his Huskers into the stadium to the Tunnel Walk, the longtime tradition of the football team. Synchronized chants of “Go Big Red!” were heard all around.Conditions were 83 degrees, clear skies and a south wind listed at 4-mph at court level with gusts that sometimes moved the ball in unpredictable ways.Though 91,648 was widely acknowledged as the women’s sports attendance record, at least one match at the unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mundo-women71.html">1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico City reportedly drew 110,000 people.</a>The American record attendance for a women’s sporting event had been 90,185 for the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California — the game where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/sports/soccer/23seconds.html">Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt</a>&nbsp;after scoring the decisive penalty shot for the U.S. win.The NCAA does not track attendance across all sports, but associate director of media coordination and statistics Jeff Williams said a crowd of 90,000-plus was easily among the largest for a non-football game. A 2010 outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://collegehockeyinc.com/stats/boxes11.php?mmicmsu1.d11">hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor drew more than 113,000 fans.</a>A message seeking comment from officials of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/">Guinness World Records</a>&nbsp;was not immediately returned.Nebraska has sold out 306 consecutive regular-season matches. (Wednesday's event won't count toward the streak because it is not being held on the team's Devaney Center court.) The Huskers have led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, and eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history are matches that have involved Nebraska.Nebraska has won five national championships in volleyball, and its program is one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit — $1 million last year, according to athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.“This is a statement on Title IX, and having two daughters of my own, what Title IX has done for women's sports is huge,” fan Troy Pfannenstiel of Omaha said before the matches.Chancellor Rodney Bennett canceled classes for the day. NCAA President Charlie Baker, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti were on hand, as was Gov. Jim Pillen. So were Husker volleyball players who were part of iconic coach Terry Pettit's teams over four decades. High school teams from across a state stretching 430 miles border to border were excused from classes to attend.There are 75 women from the state of Nebraska who are on Division I volleyball rosters this season. At 44 players per million in population, the state trails only Hawaii (67 per million) in Division I players produced per capita, according to volleyball statistician and historian Rich Kern of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richkern.com/vb/FreePage.asp">RichKern.com.</a>“You don’t think you’re going to be part of a world record event, and seeing how much everyone supports volleyball and wanted to be part of that record is awesome to see,” Omaha's Shayla McCormick said.Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the No. 1 girls high school team sport in the United States. It’s long been No. 1 in Nebraska.About 7,000 girls play high school volleyball in the state. Volleyball has been played in varying forms in Nebraska since the early 1900s. For many years, girls volleyball matches were warmup acts for boys basketball games. Volleyball became a sanctioned sport in 1972 and took off in the late 1970s when Pettit invited many of the state’s high school coaches to work at his camps in Lincoln.Pettit also conducted so-called “satellite” clinics in small towns across the state. In a place where boys grow up dreaming of becoming Cornhusker football players, many girls are equally passionate about some day playing volleyball for a Nebraska team that annually ranks among the nation’s elite.Ella Beck, 10, came with a group from tiny Pierce to see her first college volleyball match and root for her favorite player, setter Lexi Rodriguez.Neveah Kehr, 10, came with her mom, Nicki, from Bismarck, North Dakota, to be part of the event. Nicki graduated from Nebraska, and she brought up her daughter watching the Huskers on television.Neveah wore the No. 5 jersey of middle blocker Bekka Allick at a pep rally before the matches and, with more than 1,000 fans cheering, was invited to walk to where the players stood and was introduced to the woman she called her idol.Neveah teared up, and Bekka gave her a hug.

🏐 Nebraska volleyball stadium event draws 92,003 to set women's world attendance record

St. Joseph city round robin at Central High School: Central 8 Lafayette 0 Bishop LeBlond 2 Benton 1

Meanwhile, Savannah competed in the Winnetonka tournament. They lost to North Kansas City 8-0.

Volleyball Bishop LeBlond 3 Mid-Buchanan 0 St. Joseph Central 3 Excelsior Springs 1 East Buchanan 3 University Academy Charter 0 South Holt 3 Nodaway Valley 0 Mound City 3 Union Star 1 St. Joseph Christian @ Plattsburg - missing

Softball Savannah 6 St. Joseph Central 4 Mid-Buchanan 15 Bishop LeBlond 3 Chillicothe 21 East Buchanan 6 North Andrew 5 Worth County 4 - 8 innings

Cross Country Spoofhound Invitational - In the boys' race, Benton’s Kruz Bigham came in seventh and Bishop LeBlond’s Jonathan Eckstein placed eighth. Benton’s Elijah McCoy came in ninth and Mound City’s Keaton Zembles was 10th. The Benton boys placed 3rd overall.

In the girls’ race, Savannah took first overall with Camilla Heller and Adycen White both placing inside the top 20. Mound City’s Kayte Pankau and Abigail Atkins placed in the top 12.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBoys’ soccerSt. Joseph city round robin at Central High School: Central 8 Lafayette 0 Bishop LeBlond 2 Benton 1Meanwhile, Savannah competed in the Winnetonka tournament. They lost to North Kansas City 8-0.Volleyball Bishop LeBlond 3 Mid-Buchanan 0 St. Joseph Central 3 Excelsior Springs 1 East Buchanan 3 University Academy Charter 0 South Holt 3 Nodaway Valley 0 Mound City 3 Union Star 1 St. Joseph Christian @ Plattsburg - missingSoftball Savannah 6 St. Joseph Central 4 Mid-Buchanan 15 Bishop LeBlond 3 Chillicothe 21 East Buchanan 6 North Andrew 5 Worth County 4 - 8 inningsCross Country Spoofhound Invitational - In the boys' race, Benton’s Kruz Bigham came in seventh and Bishop LeBlond’s Jonathan Eckstein placed eighth. Benton’s Elijah McCoy came in ninth and Mound City’s Keaton Zembles was 10th. The Benton boys placed 3rd overall.In the girls’ race, Savannah took first overall with Camilla Heller and Adycen White both placing inside the top 20. Mound City’s Kayte Pankau and Abigail Atkins placed in the top 12.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - August 29, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a two-run homer with two out in the eighth inning, helping rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. 

Hayes hit his 11th homer of the season 424 feet to left-center to erase a one-run deficit. In the ninth inning, Liover Peguero added a three-run homer and Jack Suwinski scored on a Kansas City error. The Pirates won the series opener 5-0 on Monday and will try to win three in a row on Wednesday for only second time since the All-Star break. 

Pittsburgh hasn’t swept a series since June 27-29 against San Diego. Luis Ortiz (3-4) allowed just one run on three hits in five innings of relief to get the victory. Carlos Hernandez (1-9), one of five Kansas City pitchers, gave up the home run to Hayes and took the loss.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a two-run homer with two out in the eighth inning, helping rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. Hayes hit his 11th homer of the season 424 feet to left-center to erase a one-run deficit. In the ninth inning, Liover Peguero added a three-run homer and Jack Suwinski scored on a Kansas City error. The Pirates won the series opener 5-0 on Monday and will try to win three in a row on Wednesday for only second time since the All-Star break. Pittsburgh hasn’t swept a series since June 27-29 against San Diego. Luis Ortiz (3-4) allowed just one run on three hits in five innings of relief to get the victory. Carlos Hernandez (1-9), one of five Kansas City pitchers, gave up the home run to Hayes and took the loss.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693365714889.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ke’Bryan Hayes' 2-run homer in the 8th inning sends the Pirates to 6-3 win over the Royals

The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 53-man roster on NFL Roster Cut Day Tuesday. The deadline to cut players was 3 p.m. central time.

 Among the biggest moves made, the Chiefs acquired defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. from the Raiders for a sixth-round draft pick.

The trade for help along the defensive line is because&nbsp;Chris Jones has been placed on the reserve/did not report list.&nbsp;

Jones has been holding out in hopes of earning a lucrative long-term contract, but has been racking up millions in fines for missing mandatory minicamp, training camp and three preseason games.

Elsewhere, the Panthers acquired receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Chiefs in a deal involving a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-round draft picks.

Smith-Marsette is coming off a strong preseason where he was second in the league with 195 yards receiving on nine catches.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, backup quarterbacks Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun were released, as were running backs Deneric Prince, La’Mical Perine and corner Ekow Boye-Doe.

Players with less than four years of NFL experience that are waived are placed on waivers until 11 a.m. central time Wednesday. Once the waiver deadline expires, teams can start signing players to their practice squad.

Released Blanton, Kendall (TE - Missouri) Bush, Deon (DB - Miami) Reiter, Austin (C - South Florida) Shelton, Danny (NT - Washington) &nbsp;

WaivedBootle, Dicaprio (DB - Nebraska) Boye-Doe, Ekow (DB - Kansas State) Buechele, Shane (QB - Southern Methodist) Bushman, Matt (TE - Brigham Young) Christiansen, Cole (LB - Army) Cook, Anthony (DB - Texas) Ealy, Jerrion (RB - Mississippi) Fryfogle, Ty (WR - Indiana) Gathings, Izaiah (WR - Middle Tennessee) Godrick, Chukwuebuka (T - No College) Green, Juwan (WR - Albany, N.Y.) Gutierrez, Sebastian (T - Minot State) Hailassie, Kahlef (DB - Western Kentucky) Hardy, Anderson (T - Appalachian State) Hoskins, Phil (DT - Kentucky) Jackson, Lamar (DB - Nebraska) Jones, Truman (DE - Harvard) Kaindoh, Joshua (DE - Florida State) Kinnard, Darian (T - Kentucky) Lowe, Duron (DB - Liberty) Norman, Isaiah (DB - Marshall) Oladokun, Chris (QB - South Dakota State) Perine, La'Mical (RB - Florida) Powell, Cornell (WR - Clemson) Prince, Deneric (RB - Tulsa) Scott, Ty (WR - Missouri State) Taylor, Reese (DB - Purdue) Williams, Chris (DT - Wagner) Wise, Daniel (DE - Kansas) &nbsp;

Waived, Injured Carvin, Jerome (G - Tennessee) Fatukasi, Olakunle (LB - Rutgers) Remigio, Nikko (WR - Fresno State)

Traded to Panthers Smith-Marsette, Ihmir (WR - Iowa)

Reserve/Did Not Report Jones, Chris (DT - Mississippi State) &nbsp;

Acquired Via Trade with Raiders Farrell, Neil (DT - Louisiana State)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693356451051.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 53-man roster on NFL Roster Cut Day Tuesday. The deadline to cut players was 3 p.m. central time. Among the biggest moves made, the Chiefs acquired defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. from the Raiders for a sixth-round draft pick.The trade for help along the defensive line is because&nbsp;Chris Jones has been placed on the reserve/did not report list.&nbsp;Jones has been holding out in hopes of earning a lucrative long-term contract, but has been racking up millions in fines for missing mandatory minicamp, training camp and three preseason games.Elsewhere, the Panthers acquired receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Chiefs in a deal involving a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-round draft picks.Smith-Marsette is coming off a strong preseason where he was second in the league with 195 yards receiving on nine catches.&nbsp;Meanwhile, backup quarterbacks Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun were released, as were running backs Deneric Prince, La’Mical Perine and corner Ekow Boye-Doe.Players with less than four years of NFL experience that are waived are placed on waivers until 11 a.m. central time Wednesday. Once the waiver deadline expires, teams can start signing players to their practice squad.Full list of roster movesReleased Blanton, Kendall (TE - Missouri) Bush, Deon (DB - Miami) Reiter, Austin (C - South Florida) Shelton, Danny (NT - Washington) &nbsp;WaivedBootle, Dicaprio (DB - Nebraska) Boye-Doe, Ekow (DB - Kansas State) Buechele, Shane (QB - Southern Methodist) Bushman, Matt (TE - Brigham Young) Christiansen, Cole (LB - Army) Cook, Anthony (DB - Texas) Ealy, Jerrion (RB - Mississippi) Fryfogle, Ty (WR - Indiana) Gathings, Izaiah (WR - Middle Tennessee) Godrick, Chukwuebuka (T - No College) Green, Juwan (WR - Albany, N.Y.) Gutierrez, Sebastian (T - Minot State) Hailassie, Kahlef (DB - Western Kentucky) Hardy, Anderson (T - Appalachian State) Hoskins, Phil (DT - Kentucky) Jackson, Lamar (DB - Nebraska) Jones, Truman (DE - Harvard) Kaindoh, Joshua (DE - Florida State) Kinnard, Darian (T - Kentucky) Lowe, Duron (DB - Liberty) Norman, Isaiah (DB - Marshall) Oladokun, Chris (QB - South Dakota State) Perine, La'Mical (RB - Florida) Powell, Cornell (WR - Clemson) Prince, Deneric (RB - Tulsa) Scott, Ty (WR - Missouri State) Taylor, Reese (DB - Purdue) Williams, Chris (DT - Wagner) Wise, Daniel (DE - Kansas) &nbsp;Waived, Injured Carvin, Jerome (G - Tennessee) Fatukasi, Olakunle (LB - Rutgers) Remigio, Nikko (WR - Fresno State)Traded to Panthers Smith-Marsette, Ihmir (WR - Iowa)Reserve/Did Not Report Jones, Chris (DT - Mississippi State) &nbsp;Acquired Via Trade with Raiders Farrell, Neil (DT - Louisiana State)

Chiefs finalize 53-man roster, acquire D-line help and trade Smith-Marsette

Boys’ soccer - St. Joseph city round robin Benton 4 Lafayette 0 St. Joseph Central 2 Bishop LeBlond 0

Lafayette and Central play Tuesday at 4:30. Benton and LeBlond follow at 6:30.

Volleyball Benton 3 Maryville 2 Bishop LeBlond 3 Rock Port 0 East Buchanan 3 South Harrison 0 Nodaway Valley 3 Maysville 0

Softball Mid-Buchanan 13 St. Pius X 2 North Platte 14 DeKalb 5 Maryville 8 North Andrew 7 Northeast Nodaway 7 Stewartsville-Osborn 5

Girls’ tennis Platte County 5 St. Joseph Central 4

Girls' golf Maryville took first in the Maryville Best-Ball tournament at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. East Buchanan finished 4th while Savannah finished 7th out of 13 teams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693309689449.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBoys’ soccer - St. Joseph city round robin Benton 4 Lafayette 0 St. Joseph Central 2 Bishop LeBlond 0Lafayette and Central play Tuesday at 4:30. Benton and LeBlond follow at 6:30.Volleyball Benton 3 Maryville 2 Bishop LeBlond 3 Rock Port 0 East Buchanan 3 South Harrison 0 Nodaway Valley 3 Maysville 0Softball Mid-Buchanan 13 St. Pius X 2 North Platte 14 DeKalb 5 Maryville 8 North Andrew 7 Northeast Nodaway 7 Stewartsville-Osborn 5Girls’ tennis Platte County 5 St. Joseph Central 4Girls' golf Maryville took first in the Maryville Best-Ball tournament at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. East Buchanan finished 4th while Savannah finished 7th out of 13 teams.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - August 28, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Johan Oviedo pitched a two-hitter for his first complete game in 53 major league starts, Ke’Bryan Hayes had four hits and Zack Greinke lost his ninth consecutive decision in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 5-0 win and the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

Oviedo (8-13) struck out five and walked two while throwing a career-high 112 pitches.

“He was on point the entire game," Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. "When he got behind he was able to execute..”

It was just the 28th complete game in the major leagues this season and the first complete game in 150 professional starts for the 26-year-old right-hander dating to 2016. Oviedo had never before gotten an out in the eighth inning, must less pitch the ninth.

“I was trying not to think about anything,” Oviedo said. “I was very excited. I tried to just check my mind and make good pitches.”

Catcher Endy Rodríguez lobbied Shelton and pitching coach Oscar Martin to allow Oviedo to finish.

“Going into the ninth, I didn't plan on pitching him, because he was at 97,” Shelton said of the pitch count. “I figured that was good. Endy Rodríguez made a pretty strong push. He kept saying, ‘Let’s go, he's fine.' ... I figured: young catcher feeling it. We were hitter by hitter, but it was good for Endy and good for Ovi.”

Pittsburgh won at Kansas City for the first time since Aug. 20, 2015.

Kansas City (41-92) didn't advance a runner past first base. The Royals were blanked for the 14th time this season and held to two hits or fewer for the eighth time.

“We didn't put too many good swings on him,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said.

Greinke (1-13) gave up two runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings, dropping to 0-9 in 17 starts since beating Baltimore on May 3. The 39-year-old right-hander is tied with Oviedo, Kyle Freeland and Rich Hill for second in the majors in losses, trailing only teammate Jordan Lyles at 15. Grienke had only one 1-2-3 inning.

“He was a little bit off with his command,” Quatraro said. “It's amazing how he can compete and get out of trouble. There's a reason he's been doing this for as long as he has.”

Hayes singled in the first, hit an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead, singled in the fifth to chase Greinke and singled in the seventh against Taylor Hearn. Hayes is hitting .438 (21 for 48) since Aug. 9 with four doubles, four home runs and eight RBIs.

“I've been putting good at-bats together and hitting the ball hard,” Hayes said. “We were able to find some holes. It feels good whenever you can find a hole.”

Alfonso Rivas hit a run-scoring double-play grounder in the second first after Rodríguez's leadoff single and walks to Jack Suwinski and Liover Peguero.

Andrew McCutchen and Joshua Palacios had RBI singles in the seventh off Hearn. and Rivas doubled in a run in the eighth against Jackson Kowar.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer is going to miss his next turn Wednesday. Manager Matt Quatraro said Singer has shown signs of arm fatigue but there is nothing physically wrong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693279944488.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Johan Oviedo pitched a two-hitter for his first complete game in 53 major league starts, Ke’Bryan Hayes had four hits and Zack Greinke lost his ninth consecutive decision in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 5-0 win and the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.Oviedo (8-13) struck out five and walked two while throwing a career-high 112 pitches.“He was on point the entire game," Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. "When he got behind he was able to execute..”It was just the 28th complete game in the major leagues this season and the first complete game in 150 professional starts for the 26-year-old right-hander dating to 2016. Oviedo had never before gotten an out in the eighth inning, must less pitch the ninth.“I was trying not to think about anything,” Oviedo said. “I was very excited. I tried to just check my mind and make good pitches.”Catcher Endy Rodríguez lobbied Shelton and pitching coach Oscar Martin to allow Oviedo to finish.“Going into the ninth, I didn't plan on pitching him, because he was at 97,” Shelton said of the pitch count. “I figured that was good. Endy Rodríguez made a pretty strong push. He kept saying, ‘Let’s go, he's fine.' ... I figured: young catcher feeling it. We were hitter by hitter, but it was good for Endy and good for Ovi.”Pittsburgh won at Kansas City for the first time since Aug. 20, 2015.Kansas City (41-92) didn't advance a runner past first base. The Royals were blanked for the 14th time this season and held to two hits or fewer for the eighth time.“We didn't put too many good swings on him,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said.Greinke (1-13) gave up two runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings, dropping to 0-9 in 17 starts since beating Baltimore on May 3. The 39-year-old right-hander is tied with Oviedo, Kyle Freeland and Rich Hill for second in the majors in losses, trailing only teammate Jordan Lyles at 15. Grienke had only one 1-2-3 inning.“He was a little bit off with his command,” Quatraro said. “It's amazing how he can compete and get out of trouble. There's a reason he's been doing this for as long as he has.”Hayes singled in the first, hit an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead, singled in the fifth to chase Greinke and singled in the seventh against Taylor Hearn. Hayes is hitting .438 (21 for 48) since Aug. 9 with four doubles, four home runs and eight RBIs.“I've been putting good at-bats together and hitting the ball hard,” Hayes said. “We were able to find some holes. It feels good whenever you can find a hole.”Alfonso Rivas hit a run-scoring double-play grounder in the second first after Rodríguez's leadoff single and walks to Jack Suwinski and Liover Peguero.Andrew McCutchen and Joshua Palacios had RBI singles in the seventh off Hearn. and Rivas doubled in a run in the eighth against Jackson Kowar.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brady Singer is going to miss his next turn Wednesday. Manager Matt Quatraro said Singer has shown signs of arm fatigue but there is nothing physically wrong.UP NEXT

Oviedo pitches 2-hitter for first complete game, leads Pirates over Royals 5-0

SEATTLE (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

Teoscar Hernández and Julio Rodríguez homered as Seattle won for the 11th time in 12 games. The Mariners also improved to a major league-best 36-14 since July 1 for their best 50-game stretch since they also went 36-14 from April 23-June 18, 2003.

Seattle (74-56) and Texas were tied for the AL West lead coming into the day, but the Rangers lost 7-6 to the Twins. Seattle trailed Texas by 7 1/2 games on Aug. 15.

It’s the latest the Mariners have had sole possession of first in a season since Aug. 24, 2003.

“We have a lot of baseball to go,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s no question about it. But we have played extremely well, really since the first of July. And it’s a testament to our players. They just keep their head down and focus on getting better.”

Castillo (11-7) allowed one hit, struck out six and walked one in his fourth consecutive win. The All-Star right-hander retired his last 13 batters.

“It’s been awesome to watch him go out and do it every fifth day,” Servais said. “And today he was as sharp as he’s been in quite some time. When your starting pitching is that consistent, you’re gonna be in a lot of games.”

Hernández put Seattle in front with his third homer in the past two games, hitting a 433-foot solo shot to center off rookie Alec Marsh (0-7) in the second inning. It was his 22nd homer of the season.

Rodríguez also went deep for the second straight day, lining a two-run shot to left-center in the fifth to make it 3-0. It was his 23rd of the season.

Kansas City’s Nelson Velázquez cut it to 3-2 with a two-run homer off Gabe Speier in the eighth. It was Velázquez’s eighth homer.

The Royals put runners on second and third with two outs in the inning, but Justin Topa struck out Salvador Perez to preserve the one-run lead. Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in the ninth for his 10th save.

“You can feel the positivity and the good vibes here,” Castillo said. “It’s a team that just wants to go out there and win.”

Marsh allowed three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out nine in his seventh career start.

Kansas City lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Nine of its past 10 losses are by two runs or fewer.

“Super frustrating series,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Really a frustrating road trip. Played better than what the results ended up.”

Royals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-12, 5.34 ERA) faces Pittsburgh RHP Johan Oviedo (7-13, 4.46 ERA) on Monday to open a three-game series at home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693188468153.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez follows through on a two-run home run to score Michael Massey against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez follows through on a two-run home run to score Michael Massey against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Luis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.Teoscar Hernández and Julio Rodríguez homered as Seattle won for the 11th time in 12 games. The Mariners also improved to a major league-best 36-14 since July 1 for their best 50-game stretch since they also went 36-14 from April 23-June 18, 2003.Seattle (74-56) and Texas were tied for the AL West lead coming into the day, but the Rangers lost 7-6 to the Twins. Seattle trailed Texas by 7 1/2 games on Aug. 15.It’s the latest the Mariners have had sole possession of first in a season since Aug. 24, 2003.“We have a lot of baseball to go,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “There’s no question about it. But we have played extremely well, really since the first of July. And it’s a testament to our players. They just keep their head down and focus on getting better.”Castillo (11-7) allowed one hit, struck out six and walked one in his fourth consecutive win. The All-Star right-hander retired his last 13 batters.“It’s been awesome to watch him go out and do it every fifth day,” Servais said. “And today he was as sharp as he’s been in quite some time. When your starting pitching is that consistent, you’re gonna be in a lot of games.”Hernández put Seattle in front with his third homer in the past two games, hitting a 433-foot solo shot to center off rookie Alec Marsh (0-7) in the second inning. It was his 22nd homer of the season.Rodríguez also went deep for the second straight day, lining a two-run shot to left-center in the fifth to make it 3-0. It was his 23rd of the season.Kansas City’s Nelson Velázquez cut it to 3-2 with a two-run homer off Gabe Speier in the eighth. It was Velázquez’s eighth homer.The Royals put runners on second and third with two outs in the inning, but Justin Topa struck out Salvador Perez to preserve the one-run lead. Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in the ninth for his 10th save.“You can feel the positivity and the good vibes here,” Castillo said. “It’s a team that just wants to go out there and win.”Marsh allowed three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out nine in his seventh career start.Kansas City lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Nine of its past 10 losses are by two runs or fewer.“Super frustrating series,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Really a frustrating road trip. Played better than what the results ended up.”UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Zack Greinke (1-12, 5.34 ERA) faces Pittsburgh RHP Johan Oviedo (7-13, 4.46 ERA) on Monday to open a three-game series at home.

Luis Castillo stars as Mariners beat Royals 3-2 to grab sole possession of AL West lead

The 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted during an enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday.

The ceremony, the third ever of its kind in St. Joseph, was attended by over 400 people and put on by the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

The 2023 Hall of Fame class is comprised of nine individuals, one team inductee and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;

To be eligible for the Hall, the individual or team must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County currently.

This class includes College Football and NFL tight ends Dwayne Blakley and Martin Rucker,&nbsp;Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, tennis legend Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner,&nbsp;Olympic Weightlifter Pete Kelley,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7e6a5bda-d62e-4468-9737-3cd95a4f22d4">World Class Amateur Golfer Brad Nurski</a>,&nbsp;High School Coaching Legend Paul “Pop” Springer, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7d69d6ce-9f1b-4bc6-a2bd-9869e4481ce6">NFL assistant coach Chris Tabor</a>, Major League Baseball Pitcher and Coach Jim Wright, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Championship team and Special Olympics Area Athlete of the Year Jane Wood.

An anonymous three-person committee selects each year's class. The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame was established in November of 2020, and this was the third ever class to be enshrined.

The Hall of Fame committee selected these 10 inductees in a field of 54 nominations. This year's committee was chaired by Patsy Smith.

Other committee members included Steve Booher, Dave Elms, Mike Halloran, Melody Prawitz, Ron Hook, Marci Bennett, Chuck Kempf, Bob Roth, Bob Slater, and Mary Supple.

Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach J<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/de243cf5-ed59-47dd-b9ae-775c8de2ab32">ackie Steltenpohl was also presented</a> with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the ceremony on Sunday.

The Woman of Impact Award, established in 2022, recognizes a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor who achieved an outstanding season or accomplishment over the past year.

Steltenpohl led the Golden Eagles to a 28-4 record in 2022-23 , a district championship and a&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/3582bd1c-e84e-4a20-ae6c-2123b678b9fa">runner-up finish in the Class 2 Final Four&nbsp;</a>in Springfield.

LeBlond advanced to their first Final Four since 1986, and it was their first state title game appearance since 1983.

This year's Hall of Fame ceremony was held a month earlier than normal, because the inaugural St. Joseph marathon comes up on September 23.

You can read about <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/320ce7c8-c79f-47e2-9538-334e99873ea6">each member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184889503.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas State coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder presents Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach Jackie Steltenpohl with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas State coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder presents Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach Jackie Steltenpohl with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted during an enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday.The ceremony, the third ever of its kind in St. Joseph, was attended by over 400 people and put on by the St. Joseph Sports Commission.The 2023 Hall of Fame class is comprised of nine individuals, one team inductee and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;To be eligible for the Hall, the individual or team must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County currently.This class includes College Football and NFL tight ends Dwayne Blakley and Martin Rucker,&nbsp;Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, tennis legend Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner,&nbsp;Olympic Weightlifter Pete Kelley,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7e6a5bda-d62e-4468-9737-3cd95a4f22d4">World Class Amateur Golfer Brad Nurski</a>,&nbsp;High School Coaching Legend Paul “Pop” Springer, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7d69d6ce-9f1b-4bc6-a2bd-9869e4481ce6">NFL assistant coach Chris Tabor</a>, Major League Baseball Pitcher and Coach Jim Wright, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Championship team and Special Olympics Area Athlete of the Year Jane Wood.An anonymous three-person committee selects each year's class. The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame was established in November of 2020, and this was the third ever class to be enshrined.The Hall of Fame committee selected these 10 inductees in a field of 54 nominations. This year's committee was chaired by Patsy Smith.Other committee members included Steve Booher, Dave Elms, Mike Halloran, Melody Prawitz, Ron Hook, Marci Bennett, Chuck Kempf, Bob Roth, Bob Slater, and Mary Supple.Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach J<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/de243cf5-ed59-47dd-b9ae-775c8de2ab32">ackie Steltenpohl was also presented</a> with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the ceremony on Sunday.The Woman of Impact Award, established in 2022, recognizes a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor who achieved an outstanding season or accomplishment over the past year.Steltenpohl led the Golden Eagles to a 28-4 record in 2022-23 , a district championship and a&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/3582bd1c-e84e-4a20-ae6c-2123b678b9fa">runner-up finish in the Class 2 Final Four&nbsp;</a>in Springfield.LeBlond advanced to their first Final Four since 1986, and it was their first state title game appearance since 1983.This year's Hall of Fame ceremony was held a month earlier than normal, because the inaugural St. Joseph marathon comes up on September 23.You can read about <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/320ce7c8-c79f-47e2-9538-334e99873ea6">each member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class here</a>.Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185752522.jpeg" alt="Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell." />
 <figcaption>Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185798287.jpeg" alt="Dwayne Blakely." />
 <figcaption>Dwayne Blakely.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185818362.jpeg" alt="Kathleen Winegardner." />
 <figcaption>Kathleen Winegardner.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185856537.jpeg" alt="Members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' state basketball championship team." />
 <figcaption>Members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' state basketball championship team.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185878010.jpeg" alt="Martin Rucker." />
 <figcaption>Martin Rucker.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185901194.jpeg" alt="Paul "Pop" Springer." />
 <figcaption>Paul "Pop" Springer.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185946244.jpeg" alt="Head coach Mel Clark along with other members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' basketball team." />
 <figcaption>Head coach Mel Clark along with other members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' basketball team.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185977012.jpeg" alt="The entire 2023 class." />
 <figcaption>The entire 2023 class.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Class officially enshrined Sunday

SEATTLE (AP) — Teoscar Hernández homered twice and drove in six runs as the Seattle Mariners matched a franchise record with seven home runs in a 15-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Hernández hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run third inning and added a 446-foot shot off position player Matt Duffy in the eighth for his 21st of the season.

Josh Rojas, Mike Ford, Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and Cade Marlowe also homered for the Mariners, who won for the 10th time in 11 games.

“This game can get contagious when you’re going good offensively,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “That’s what we’re seeing. There’s no question about it.”

It was the fifth time in franchise history the Mariners hit seven homers in a game. They also accomplished the feat in 2002, 1999, 1996 and 1985.

Seattle totaled 13 hits and seven walks in yet another big offensive performance. The Mariners reached double-digit runs for the third time in seven games and the fourth time in their past 11.

It was Seattle’s first game with 15-plus runs since 2016.

“It’s a lot easier hitting when your lineup is on fire,” Rojas said. “A lot less pressure. Just going out there trying to get it to the next guy and seeing what they can do.”

Logan Gilbert (12-5) delivered seven strong innings for Seattle, allowing just one run and two hits. He struck out seven, walked one and won his sixth consecutive decision.

“Logan was fantastic,” Servais said. “The best slider he’s had maybe all year long. Kept the velocity on the fastball — kept pumping it in. And some really good split-fingers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693119597952.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals right fielder Drew Waters (6) holds on to the popout from Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez as he collides with second baseman Michael Massey (19) during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals right fielder Drew Waters (6) holds on to the popout from Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez as he collides with second baseman Michael Massey (19) during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Teoscar Hernández homered twice and drove in six runs as the Seattle Mariners matched a franchise record with seven home runs in a 15-2 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.Hernández hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run third inning and added a 446-foot shot off position player Matt Duffy in the eighth for his 21st of the season.Josh Rojas, Mike Ford, Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and Cade Marlowe also homered for the Mariners, who won for the 10th time in 11 games.“This game can get contagious when you’re going good offensively,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. “That’s what we’re seeing. There’s no question about it.”It was the fifth time in franchise history the Mariners hit seven homers in a game. They also accomplished the feat in 2002, 1999, 1996 and 1985.Seattle totaled 13 hits and seven walks in yet another big offensive performance. The Mariners reached double-digit runs for the third time in seven games and the fourth time in their past 11.It was Seattle’s first game with 15-plus runs since 2016.“It’s a lot easier hitting when your lineup is on fire,” Rojas said. “A lot less pressure. Just going out there trying to get it to the next guy and seeing what they can do.”Logan Gilbert (12-5) delivered seven strong innings for Seattle, allowing just one run and two hits. He struck out seven, walked one and won his sixth consecutive decision.“Logan was fantastic,” Servais said. “The best slider he’s had maybe all year long. Kept the velocity on the fastball — kept pumping it in. And some really good split-fingers.”The Mariners improved to 73-56 and ensured they would maintain at least a share of first place in the AL West for a second straight day.Seattle began the afternoon tied with Texas atop the AL West, marking its first shared or outright division lead after the All-Star break since 2003.“Everybody’s playing the best brand of baseball that we can right now on every side — pitching, defense, hitting,” Gilbert said. “It’s fun to be in this spot.”The Mariners broke open the game with three homers off Jordan Lyles (3-15) in the third inning. It came just 11 days after they went deep four times off the Kansas City right-hander during a seven-run fourth inning on Aug. 15.Lyles became the first 15-loss pitcher in the majors this season. The Royals lost for the ninth time in 11 games.“Today, I think it was the command,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “We got behind, walked those couple guys. … And so that’s where most of it comes from — just not being as fine with his command.”Rojas led off the third with his third homer since being acquired by Seattle on July 31. He didn’t hit a home run in 59 games with Arizona earlier this season.Later in the frame, Hernández pulled his third career grand slam over the left-field fence and Ford added his 13th homer to make it 7-0.Rodríguez hit a two-run shot in the fifth off reliever Jackson Kowar. It was his 22nd homer of the season and 50th of his career.Raleigh added his 25th home run in the sixth, making him the first catcher in Mariners history with back-to-back 25-homer seasons. Marlowe hit a two-run shot in the seventh to make it 14-1.“What lies ahead of us here over the next 30-some-odd games is going to be really exciting,” Servais said. “It’s been a lot of fun and our players are feeling it. You go home at night and you can’t wait to be at the ballpark the next day.”UP NEXTMariners RHP Luis Castillo (10-7, 3.15 ERA) takes the mound in Sunday’s series finale. The Royals have yet to announce a starter.